Eliot Engel Quotes

Powerful Eliot Engel for Daily Growth

About Eliot Engel

Eliot L. Engel (born July 24, 1939) is an American politician who has served as a member of the United States House of Representatives since 1989, currently representing New York's 16th congressional district. Born and raised in Bronx, New York City, Engel was influenced by his parents' strong Democratic political views and developed an early interest in public service. In 1960, Engel graduated from the City College of New York with a Bachelor's degree in Political Science. He then served in the Army, stationed in Germany during the Cold War era. Upon returning to the U.S., he obtained his law degree from Fordham University School of Law in 1967. Engel entered politics in 1978 when he was elected to the New York State Assembly. He served until 1988, during which time he also worked as an attorney and partner at a law firm. In 1988, Engel ran for the House of Representatives and won, representing the 17th district until its redistricting in 2013 when he shifted to the 16th district. Engel is known for his staunch advocacy on foreign policy issues. He has been a vocal critic of U.S. foreign interventions, particularly in Iraq and Afghanistan. In domestic politics, Engel has supported various progressive causes, including healthcare reform, environmental protection, and gun control legislation. Some of Engel's key works include the Eliot Engel Transit-Friendly Development Act (2004), which encourages the development of transit-oriented communities, and his efforts to combat anti-Semitism both domestically and internationally. He has also been a longtime supporter of Israel and is currently the Chairman of the House Foreign Affairs Committee. Engel's career spans over four decades, making him one of the longest-serving members of Congress. His dedication to public service, coupled with his commitment to progressive causes, continues to shape his influential role in American politics.

Interpretations of Popular Quotes

"We must always remember that diplomacy without democracy is hollow."

This quote by Eliot Engel emphasizes the integral role of democracy in effective diplomacy. Diplomacy, in this context, refers to international negotiation and dialogue between nations. Without a strong foundation of democracy, where the people's voices are heard and their rights respected, these negotiations may lack legitimacy and authenticity. A hollow diplomacy may lead to agreements that do not genuinely reflect the will or best interests of the people, potentially leading to unstable or unsatisfactory relationships between nations. In essence, Engel suggests that a democratic society provides a solid base for meaningful and lasting diplomatic efforts.


"Silence in the face of injustice is not an option."

This quote emphasizes the moral responsibility of individuals to actively stand against injustice, rather than remaining indifferent or passive spectators. It encourages action, advocacy, and resistance when faced with unjust situations, implying that silence in such cases is a form of complicity and a betrayal of one's ethical principles. In essence, the quote serves as a call to action for those committed to upholding justice, fairness, and equality in their communities and society at large.


"The United States has a moral obligation to lead, and we have the ability to make a difference."

This quote by Eliot Engel emphasizes the dual responsibility and capacity of the United States as a global leader. He suggests that the U.S. holds a moral obligation, rooted in ethics and justice, to guide and shape international affairs. Additionally, he implies that the nation possesses both the potential and resources to positively impact the world when it chooses to act. This quote calls for proactive and compassionate global engagement by the United States, highlighting its role as a key player in shaping a better world.


"Our role as a nation should be to promote peace, freedom, and human rights around the world."

This quote by Eliot Engel emphasizes that the United States' primary purpose on the global stage should be to advocate for peace, freedom, and human rights. It implies a belief in using diplomacy, cooperation, and ethical principles as guiding principles when engaging with other nations, rather than force or self-interest alone. This perspective positions the U.S. as a champion of democratic values, working towards creating a more just and peaceful world for all peoples.


"We cannot stand idly by while governments commit atrocities against their own people."

This quote by Eliot Engel underscores the moral responsibility individuals, especially those in positions of power, have to actively oppose human rights violations occurring within their nations or elsewhere. The phrase "commit atrocities" signifies extreme acts of cruelty or violence against a population, while "stand idly by" implies passive observation without action. Engel emphasizes that such events should not be tolerated but rather met with urgent intervention to protect the basic human rights of those affected.


Too small is our world to allow discrimination, bigotry and intolerance to thrive in any corner of it, let alone in the United States of America.

- Eliot Engel

Small, United States, Allow, Our World

Yet, nearly 6 decades after the Holocaust concluded, Anti-Semitism still exists as the scourge of the world.

- Eliot Engel

World, Holocaust, Still, Anti-Semitism

Adult stem cells are also problematic, as they are difficult to identify, purify and grow, and simply may not exist for certain diseased tissues that need to be replaced.

- Eliot Engel

Grow, May, Identify, Diseased

I believe that ultimately the situation in Kosovo can only be resolved through self-determination.

- Eliot Engel

Through, Only, Kosovo

I very much regret that our administration has pushed the whole issue of Kosovo to the back burner.

- Eliot Engel

Regret, Very, Issue, Kosovo

I wholeheartedly support umbilical stem cell research, but also support embryonic stem cell research.

- Eliot Engel

Embryonic Stem Cell, Also, Wholeheartedly

Preventing terrorist attacks is of the highest important, but trashing the Constitution is not the right way to do it.

- Eliot Engel

Important, Constitution, Right Way

While Haiti has recently celebrated more than 200 years of independence from French colonial rule, the citizens of the island remain vulnerable to poverty, poor health, and political chaos.

- Eliot Engel

Chaos, Haiti, Poor Health, Colonial

We stand with the people of Taiwan and their democratic ways, and I am proud to be a part of reaffirming the unwavering commitment to the Taiwan Relations Act by the United States Congress.

- Eliot Engel

Proud, United, United States, Relations

We all would like to see a brighter future for Haiti, and I hope this conference will serve to explore many views. Respect for human rights, freedom, and the rule of law must be established in the poorest nation in our hemisphere.

- Eliot Engel

Nation, Conference, Rule, Poorest

I represent a district covering Rockland, Westchester and Bronx counties, all of which are part of the 9 million people that this water is so important for.

- Eliot Engel

Part, Which, Covering, Represent

A middle class is so important to a society that its value cannot be overestimated.

- Eliot Engel

Society, Important, Middle, Middle Class

On the eve of World War I, an estimated two million Armenians lived in the Ottoman Empire. Well over a million were deported and hundreds of thousands were simply killed.

- Eliot Engel

World War I, Over, Estimated, Empire

All Americans owe a debt of gratitude to Dr. King for his bravery and commitment to civil rights and nonviolence that changed this nation - and world - for the better.

- Eliot Engel

Nonviolence, All Americans, Bravery

Scientists have stated that embryonic stem cells provide the best opportunity for devising unique treatments of these serious diseases since, unlike adult stem cells, they may be induced to develop into any type of cell.

- Eliot Engel

Best, Stem Cells, Type, Embryonic

The free nations of the world will not be pushed around by terrorist cowards whose goal is to spread fear and destruction and destroy our liberty and way of life.

- Eliot Engel

Goal, Will, Cowards, Terrorist

The countless number of influential figures in American history who are of Caribbean heritage indicates the need to set aside a designated time to celebrate their contribution to our country.

- Eliot Engel

Country, Set, Influential, American History

It is my hope that as we commemorate Black History Month in the future, we will continue to celebrate the many achievements and rich culture of African-Americans.

- Eliot Engel

Will, Achievements, Black History

The Satellite Home Viewer Improvement Act expires at the end of this year. Thus, we must act quickly to ensure our constituents continue to receive the services they enjoy.

- Eliot Engel

Viewer, Receive, Ensure, Satellite

I do not think we should be trying to save our freedom by killing the safeguards that keep our liberties.

- Eliot Engel

Freedom, Trying, Think, Safeguards

The only plan the Administration seems to have for winning the war is that there is no plan and no schedule for our troops to come home and get out of harm's way.

- Eliot Engel

War, Winning, Harm, Troops

The freedom of thought and expression is one of the most sacred rights in this country.

- Eliot Engel

Country, Expression, Most, Sacred

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